UK bookshop staff set to lose jobs on Christmas Eve

Administrators of ailing UK book chain Borders warned today that all 1,100 staff would lose their jobs on Christmas Eve unless a buyer is found this week.

MCR is in “advanced talks” with a number of would-be purchasers over certain stores but added that any deals had yet to be finalised.

The firm has 45 Borders and Books Etc stores across the UK which will close on December 22 unless a sale is agreed, with staff finishing work on December 24, MCR said.

Borders went into administration at the end of last month after coming under severe pressure from internet competition during the past year.

MCR partner Phil Duffy said: "Staff consultation will continue throughout this week and a further update will be given for each store at the end of the week.

“We have reassured staff that they will be paid for all of their work during the administration.”